Depending on which retail vertical you work in, your security needs will differ, with some verticals relying solely on security labels as their EAS strategy of choice, while others employ security tags.

Selecting the right option comes down to a whole host of factors, including the type of product, the volume of stock sold, its value and its potential for theft.

So, let’s stroll through the aisles of each retail vertical and look at how they use security tags and labels.

When it comes to protecting grocery items against theft, retailers predominantly use security labels, but they may vary in type.

That’s because different labels are available for different types of products. For example, meat products require a specific label that can be housed within the packaging and is suited to a consumable product.

Meanwhile standard RF labels, which are flat and easy to apply, are then used for other non-perishable products which might be prone to theft.

That said, a grocery retailer may turn their attention to different strategies to protect highly sought-after products such as baby formula, razors, and liquor.

Tins of baby formula are often protected using a purpose-designed hard tag that fits around the tin, razors can be protected using stop locks, and liquor would be protected using a label unless it was a high-value product, which may then have a bottle top security tag fitted.

Due to the variety of different items available in a department store, their EAS strategy is likely to encompass both security tags and security labels.

Clothing in a department store would be protected by security tags, handbags and sports shoes would generally have tags with lanyards fitted, while high-value toys and electronics might be protected using keepers or alarmed spider wraps.

Fashion sunglasses would be protected by either labels or a purpose designed optical tag depending on its value.

Meanwhile, high volume, lower value products like perfumes, cosmetics, crockery, and books would be fitted with security labels.

Like department stores, hardware retailers tend to use both a combination of tags and labels.

For example, high value items like boxed tools may use alarmed spider wraps, while keepers might be used for smaller high value products like drill bits.

High-volume products such as hose fittings, boxes of nails and screws would then have labels affixed.

Fashion retailers predominantly use security tags, which are fitted to each item of clothing.

Smaller products like budget sunglasses would then have labels affixed, high value fashion sunglasses would employ optical tags, while handbags and sports shoes would be protected using a tag with lanyard.

Drug stores tend to utilize labels of the AM variety. These labels have a slightly raised profile compared to their RF counterpart but are better suited to products with a high foil/metal content.

Bookstores tend to use RF labels, which offer a flat profile.

Electronics retailers usually employ a range of EAS strategies depending on the type of product, its size, sales volume and potential for theft.

For example, big brand high-value cell phones are often available for consumer interaction as part of a secure display, while the actual boxed product is protected in a locked cabinet.

Cheaper cell phones might be secured in a keeper or protected with a label inside the packaging.

Large electronic items generally can’t be stolen without attracting attention, so a label would be used, while electronic accessories are protected with AM labels and keepers.

Other boxed electronics might be protected using a spider wrap and alarmed tag.

Discount stores tend to use labels due to the value and high volume of the items sold, with RF the preferred type due to their flat profile and ease of application.

For more information on selecting the right security tag or label for your store, see here or contact us directly to discuss your tag and security label needs.

When most retailers consider adopting or upgrading electronic article surveillance (EAS), the catalyst is loss prevention. Quite simply, the security tags, labels and antenna utilised in EAS protect individual products against theft.

But in protecting a store against loss, EAS also helps improve the customer experience in a host of ways. Here’s an insight into how that works.

The true cost of retail loss

It’s common knowledge retail loss costs the industry billions. In the US that estimated figure currently sits at $50.6 billion or 1.38 per cent of sales revenue, according to the latest National Retail Security Survey.

But what’s often less understood and harder to measure are the hidden costs of retail theft. Shoplifting can cost a retailer in terms of staff time, out of stock events, brand reputation, customer safety, and store appeal.

All these factors affect the quality of the customer experience that retailers are working so hard to deliver in an age of competition both in the real world and online.

To break it down, here’s are five ways EAS can improve the customer experience…

Product cost

Shoplifting is often mistakenly considered a victimless crime. Of course, that’s far from the truth. When retailers incur major losses due to theft, that loss has to be countered elsewhere in the provision of goods.

Most often, that loss is at least partially covered in the mark-up of products, meaning ultimately the customer pays a little more per item to outweigh the cost of theft. Back in 2010, it was estimated that shoplifting cost each US shopper $423 per year. Almost 10 years later that price is likely to be significantly higher.

It stands to reason then that security measures like EAS help keep the costs of those products down due to reducing product theft by up to 80 per cent.

Customer service

When your staff are busy protecting a store against loss and keeping a watchful eye out for shoplifters, they are being taken from the key role that offers real-world retail a distinct advantage over online stores – face-to-face customer service.

EAS allows store associates to continue catering to the customer without the distraction of remaining hyper-vigilant against shoplifting. While staff engage with the consumer, they can rest assured the EAS system will be monitoring items and alerting them to potential thefts.

Out of stocks

One major area where shoplifting affects most stores is in out-of-stock events. The retailer simply isn’t aware an item isn’t available until a customer cannot find it.

Searching for an item that has been stolen but is still recorded in the store inventory as being in stock wastes both the time and effort of the customer and that of the retailer.

Importantly, it affects the customer’s perception of their experience with a brand, and is one of the key reasons they may choose not to return to that outlet in the future.

Store appeal

A store that is streamlined, well-protected and welcoming is simply more appealing to consumers. As EAS offers a discrete yet highly effective product-based security measure, it contributes to this appeal.

Security tags are compact, highly effective and can be applied in a uniform fashion so they are inobtrusive and do not interfere with the customer’s experience of a product.

Meanwhile for high-volume, low value goods, labels offer security that can be easily incorporated into the packaging of a product and are then quickly deactivated at the point of sale.

Brand reputation

If a store is frequently targeted by shoplifters, the brand image is soon also affected. The outlet becomes known as a place that may pose safety issues for the customer, or where there are likely to be problems finding products.

In this case, EAS is just one of a number of measures a retailer can employ to improve their security. Best of all, it’s subtle, proven and protects items individually in a way few other loss prevention strategies can.

You can learn more about upgrading your security tags and labels to prevent shoplifting here.

Clean, clear, uncluttered

A store that is well laid out, clean, clear and uncluttered creates a more welcoming and enticing venue for shoppers while offering staff better vantage points to see what’s happening on the floor.

For retailers, that means keeping in mind the height of their shelving, where they position displays and how they showcase valuable stock.

Where possible stock should be kept organised, neatly folded and clearly visible. Aisles should be free of obstructions and high-value item should be secured using either locked and tethered displays or EAS tagging in an area visible from the POS.

These simple design principles are for the benefit of both the consumer and loss prevention, allowing customers to readily see and find the items that are available, while store associates can easily monitor the stock in their care.

Lighting

Not only does good lighting create a welcoming ambience and mood within a store, it also serves to highlight the appeal of products and assist with theft prevention.

Retailers who have good lighting throughout their store are less prone to theft because there’s fewer dark places for thieves to feel comfortable.

Importantly, good lighting also allows legitimate customers to find items more readily and feel more at ease, in the knowledge they are safe and secure within that environment.

Shelving, racks, and layout

The fit out of a store, including its shelving, helps set the tone for an entire brand. It also draws the customer’s attention to the most important items on display.

These days, the options for fit out are endless, allowing retailers to be more and more creative with the look and feel of their brand.

Within shelving and fit out there is also the opportunity to increase security and offer customer appeal.

In many cases, this is where secure displays come into play, allowing retailers to showcase valuable items behind glass or using tethered displays that enable consumers to interact with products.

Layout

Even something as simple as where you position specific products can have a bearing on loss prevention.

For example, sales racks or tables positioned too close to doorways can make items a potential target of snatch and grab theft.

Meanwhile, high value items should be visible to shoppers yet positioned near the POS or where staff can monitor customer interaction.

In addition, high-value items should be displayed in a place where a shoplifter would feel highly visible leaving with that item or must make their way past a number of staff members and security in order to commit a theft.

Theft prevention tools

Working hand in hand with good store layout are invaluable tools like electronic article surveillance and CCTV.

Again, these items should be factored into the store’s design and general appeal.

For example, the antenna that monitor security tags and labels can now be built into the doorway, hidden under the entryway floor or housed overhead, allowing the store entry to remain secure yet feel open and welcoming.

Security tags and labels do not have to bulky or overly conspicuous, but instead come in sizes that are large enough to indicate an item is being monitored but small enough not to interfere with the experience of the product.

Tags and labels can also be positioned neatly in the same spot on each product to create a uniform and streamlined look.

Meanwhile, any tags and labels should be selected to suit the product involved. That means considering what label or tag best reflects the value and intended customer experience of the product and applying this security without overkill.

Similarly, CCTV should be obvious enough to deter thieves, but not so cumbersome and prominent to make legitimate customer feel watched.

A balance in the beauty

It’s often said that retail loss prevention is a balancing act. And in some ways it is. More often, however preventing shoplifting is a combination of good store design, appropriate adoption of technology and constant vigilance and staff education on behalf of the retailer.

Shop our range of security labels and EAS tags here.

Effective product-based security

In retail, EAS is regarded as one of the most simple and effective ways of protecting individual items against theft. The system sees antennas installed at the entryway to a store and security labels or security tags are affixed to individual merchandise.

Each tag and label houses a transmitter that remains in constant communication with the antenna. When a protected product comes into proximity of the store entryway, an alarm sounds, alerting staff to a potential theft.

The cost of EAS

Implementing EAS involves two sets of costs – initial and ongoing.

Initial costs

Initial costs include the purchase and installation of the antenna, along with the purchase of label deactivators and tag detachers, and sufficient security tags and labels to guard each individual product.

These costs will be impacted by factors like:

• The type of system and level of security chosen

• The size of the retail outlet being protected

• The number of entryways that require protection

• The width of the entryway and number of pedestals required

• The way the antennas are installed – via pedestal, underfloor, overhead etc

• Delivery and installation costs

• The volume of merchandise and how many labels or tags will be required

• The number of tag detachers or label deactivators required and their installation cost

Ongoing costs

Ongoing costs include:

• System maintenance

• Running costs (such as electricity consumption)

What is the lifespan of an EAS system?

Broadly speaking, a reputable EAS system has an expected lifespan of about 10-15 years. During that time it is required to reliably protect a retail outlet 24/7 with zero or minimum downtime and few if any false alarms.

Like any electronic device, you get what you pay for when you invest in EAS. While there are cheap options available, these may not represent the best value over the long term. You want your system to be reliable and stand the test of time.

Established EAS brands with a good reputation are more likely to offer value in the long-term as their reputation is built upon quality, reliability and longevity.

Meanwhile, retailers should also consider the fine print of any system, looking at factors like warranty, servicing schedules and ongoing support.

How much will EAS reduce theft?

When retailers implement an EAS system they can expect to see loss reduction of between 60 and 80 per cent.

Cost versus savings

Calculating the specific ROI of your chosen EAS system involves looking at the cost of your current stock losses due to theft and weighing them against the initial and ongoing costs of your proposed system, while factoring in depreciation over the desired term.

When considering the cost of theft, it’s important to factor in both “hard” costs and “soft” costs.

Hard costs of shoplifting

Hard costs are those that are quantifiable, such as the theft shrink rate. For example, in a store with annual sales of $1 million, a three per cent theft shrink rate would cost a retailer $30,000 per year.

Soft costs of shoplifting

Soft costs are those that are harder to ascertain, like the time it costs staff to access items that have to be locked away due to fear of theft, or the productivity cost of having staff watch the floor for theft rather than concentrating on selling.

There are also further hidden loss costs like products being out of stock due to theft, or the cost to the general ambiance of the store.

Weighing the initial and ongoing cost of an EAS system versus the current costs of shoplifting and the savings that will be achieved by implementing EAS allows you to ascertain the ROI of your EAS.

This rough calculation offers an insight into when your system is likely to pay itself off and the very real money it could save or even earn you in the long term.

The bottom line

There’s good reason EAS has attained such popularity in the retail world. For many store owners, the cost of implementing and running an EAS system is far less than the ongoing cost of theft.

Meanwhile, EAS helps ensure a retail environment remains welcoming. It is an unobtrusive and consistent loss prevention strategy that allows customer service staff to do their job, and consumers to effortlessly interact with products.

You can learn more about selecting the right EAS system for your store here, or talk to our friendly staff about security tags and labels for your store.

Whether it’s non-perishable groceries, DVDs, cosmetics or pharmaceuticals, security labels are the ideal way of protecting high-volume, low-value stock from theft.

Simple to affix, security labels are used by large and small retailers worldwide, offering an affordable product-based security option that is seamlessly deactivated at the Point of Sale.

However, like all areas of Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) there are choices to be made when it comes to which label is best suited to what product. So, here’s a quick guide to choosing the right security labels.

Security label basics

Security labels are one of the many options available when it comes to protecting stock at a product-based level using Electronic Article Surveillance.

These labels house a small receiver within an adhesive sticker that can easily be affixed to products.

The receiver remains in constant communication with an EAS antenna, and when that label comes too close, an alarm sounds, alerting staff that an item is passing through the entryway.

Labels are deactivated using a deactivator that breaks the circuit in the receiver, so they no longer communicate with the antenna. They can then pass an antenna without sounding an alarm.

This affordability, disposability and simple deactivation makes security labels the go-to option for small items like groceries or hardware.

So, what do you need to consider when selecting the right label for your store?

EAS antenna frequency – RF or AM?

Like security tags, security labels are available in either the RF or AM frequencies to suit whichever EAS system you have in store.

Each technology offers slightly different features and specific benefits for particular products.

RF labels:

• Are well-suited to retailers with high volumes of packaged products which require a flat paper label that can even be printed on

• Are often favored by supermarkets, discount stores, book stores and video stores

• Caution should be applied when using for RF labels with metallic or foil products or packaging due to tag detuning and reduced detection

AM labels:

• Are well-suited to the protection of merchandise with a high metal/foil content such as consumer electronics, cosmetics, hardware, and pharmaceuticals.

• Offer a slightly raised profile

• Are often favored by drug stores, cosmetic stores, electronics retailers, and hardware outlets

Label size and colour

Security labels are available in a wide range of colours, sizes and shapes, including round, square and rectangular with semi-transparent options also available to ensure they do not obscure vital information on the packaging.

Generally, RF labels have a slightly larger footprint than AM labels, but offer a lower, flat profile.

AM labels have a slightly raised profile but a smaller footprint than RF labels.

Security labels are designed to be discreet yet feature strong adhesives to ensure they cannot be easily removed by shoplifters.

Alternatively, non-adhesive labels can be inserted into the packaging of a product.

Barcoded?

In a bid to offer greater efficiency at the Point of Sale, security labels are also available with the barcode pre-printed, so product information and security is catered to easily in a single label.

Printable?

Plain RF labels can also be printed on, allowing information or barcodes to be added. This makes them an ideal option for source tagging at the point of manufacture.

Deactivation

Unlike security tags which are detached and removed at the Point of Sale, security labels are deactivated.

This involves using technology to break the transmitter circuit within the sticker. As a result, labels cannot be reused, but the method does allow for quick disarming at the Point of Sale.

Deactivators can be built into the Point of Sale scanner or incorporated beneath the countertop to ensure scanning and deactivation occurs in one swift maneuver.

Positioning

The ideal place for a security label is near a product barcode. This allows the product to be scanned and the label deactivated at the same time.

Meanwhile, positioning the security label near the barcode also ensures essential product packaging information is not obscured.

Electronic Article Surveillance, including security tags, labels and antenna, has been a staple of retail loss prevention since the 1960s, and like all technology, it has improved dramatically over the years.

If you’re wondering what’s evolved in the decades since EAS first revolutionized product-level security, here’s an insight into just some of the improved features EAS now offers.

Increased accuracy

Over the years the accuracy of EAS has improved remarkably with a dramatic reduction in false alarms.

Antenna systems can be better tuned to the retail environment, while acousto magnetic technology has resulted in less interference from metallic product packaging, and also works to thwart shoplifters using booster bags.

In fact, recent statistics indicate EAS reduces theft by an estimated 60-80 per cent.

Increased strength

EAS systems have constantly evolved to keep pace with the shoplifters who try to circumvent them. And one of the major innovations has been the improved strength of tag locking systems.

Now security tags are available in a variety of magnetic strengths, ranging from standard to superlock, hyperlock and multi-polar.

These higher-strength tags offer unprecedented security, with the premium options like multi-polar near impossible to force open or unlock without a specialist detacher.

Wider applications

It’s no longer a case of one size fits all when it comes to tags, labels, and even antenna. Over the years hard tags have been honed to suit specific purposes like optical wear, liquor bottles and high-end accessories like shoes and handbags.

In terms of labels, they have also improved. Now labels come in a range of sizes to suit both acousto magnetic and radio frequency systems, meaning they can be applied to a wider range of products.

RF labels, in particular, can now be printed on, allowing retailers to incorporate a barcode and product security into the one neat label.

More discreet antenna

The antenna systems that monitor a retail outlet have also improved dramatically over time. Antennas are available as pedestals and can now also be discreetly hidden in door frames, beneath the floor or even overhead at a retail outlet.

Less intrusive

The bulky plastic hard tags of the 1960s, 70s and 80s are long gone, with EAS security tags and labels available in a variety of sizes and dimensions.

This ensures tags no longer interfere with the customer’s experience of a product but still protect the item. In the meantime, retailers should note EAS tags are designed to act as a deterrent, meaning that should be visible to customers in a bid to put them off any attempt at theft.

Greater adoption

All these features have led to greater adoption of EAS technology. The National Retail Security Survey recently noted 80.9 per cent of US retailers now employ EAS.

They further found in the past year alone:

• Use of merchandise alarms/electronic security tags had increased by 25.4 per cent to 46 per cent adoption.
• Use of acousto magnetic/electronic security tags had increased by 12.7 per cent to 34.9 per cent adoption.

Meanwhile, a recent survey of loss prevention professionals found 68 per cent believe EAS and other security measures “are truly effective in deterring theft in retail stores”.

If you’re looking to understand which EAS security tags and labels would best suit your store, more information is available here, or contact our friendly staff for further assistance.